Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally celebrated the exceptional achievement of veteran all-rounder Jason Holder, who has been selected for the prestigious 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament. This recognition, bestowed by an elite panel of former international cricketers and expert commentators, highlights Holder’s monumental impact throughout the global championship.
At 34 years old, Holder, a cornerstone of West Indies’ 2016 championship squad, delivered a masterclass in all-round prowess. His tournament statistics were nothing short of extraordinary: claiming ten crucial wickets while amassing 141 runs with a devastating strike rate of 174.07. His batting average of 35.25 underscored remarkable consistency under pressure.
Several iconic moments defined Holder’s campaign. His blistering 33 from just 17 deliveries against England proved instrumental in setting a winning total of 196, which the Caribbean side successfully defended by 30 runs. In a display of resilience and power, Holder partnered with Romario Shepherd to establish a new world-record eighth-wicket stand of 89 runs against South Africa during the Super Eights stage. Coming to the crease with his team reeling at 83-7, Holder’s counter-attacking 49 from 31 balls salvaged the innings.
Even against eventual champions India, Holder demonstrated his value with a late flourish of 37 from 22 balls, pushing West Indies to a competitive 195. With the ball, his 6’7″ frame generated troubling bounce and discipline, epitomized by a spectacular bowling performance of 4-27 against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Reflecting on the honor, Holder expressed profound pride, noting this represented his first complete T20 World Cup campaign. “I felt everything was in alignment. My game is in a good place, I kept things simple, lived in the moment and contributed whenever the team needed me,” he stated.
CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, praised Holder’s professionalism and game-changing abilities. “Jason’s impact was undeniable. His selection reflects the quality, experience and composure he brings to West Indies cricket. His ability to influence games with both bat and ball, particularly in pivotal moments, speaks to his immense value and leadership,” Bascombe emphasized.
Holder’s individual success mirrored the team’s vibrant performance. Shimron Hetmyer emerged as the tournament’s leading West Indian run-scorer with 248 runs, while Sherfane Rutherford delivered a breathtaking unbeaten 76 against England. The team collectively electrified fans with a record 76 sixes throughout the competition. Holder attributed this success to collective determination: “Everyone wanted the same result. We buckled down as a team to bring a proud feeling to the Caribbean people.”